Youth justice

The incarceration of children who break the law is viewed as a measure of last resort. Yet this principle may soon be overturned in Queensland. Other changes, including the ‘naming and shaming’ of young offenders have also been proposed. Already 17 year olds are sent to adult jails and juveniles are sentenced to ‘boot camps’. Does a hardline approach to youth justice reduce crime? Paul Barclay asks a panel of experts.